JABAR EKSPRES – For some people, eating will be lacking without the presence of chili or chili sauce. The reason is, spicy flavors are believed to arouse appetite.
Even a new study shows eating spicy foods can actually be good for your health. As reported by the People One Health page, Friday (8/25/2023), here are a series of benefits of eating spicy for health.
1. Pain Relief
Although more research is needed, some evidence suggests chili peppers may serve as a pain reliever. “Cayenne pepper contains capsaicin, a compound found to help relieve pain,” explains registered dietitian Lisa Andrews.
“Typically used in topical creams, capsaicin reduces Substance P, a chemical that sends pain messages to your brain, so less pain is felt.” she continued.
2. Can Extend Life
Spices can add more than just flavor to your life, they can also add years to your life. A 2015 study analyzed the eating habits and longevity of more than 500,000 Chinese people.
Participants who consumed spicy foods six or seven times a day, especially fresh and dried chili peppers, had a 14 percent lower mortality rate than those who consumed bland dishes.
Read more: 5 Tips to Prevent Early Aging Due to Exposure to Air Pollution
3. Reduce Cancer Risk
A study conducted by the University of Texas and published in Experimental Biology and Medicine analyzed the impact of 41 common spices on cancer patients.
Nutraceuticals in spicy foods were found to slow or stop the growth of tumor cells. Although more research is needed, this suggests that plant-based spices may serve as an alternative to pharmaceutical drugs.
4. Help Lose Weight
Studies have found that by raising body temperature, spicy foods especially those containing capsaicin, ginger, and black pepper can temporarily increase metabolism by 8 to 10 percent.
This doesn’t seem like a huge amount, but every little bit helps.
In another study by Purdue University, people who added chili peppers to their meals burned more calories than those who ate non-spicy dishes.
